Super Bowl 2015: Malcolm Butler Becomes the Unlikely Hero

Before Super Bowl XLIX, no one knew who Malcolm Butler was. But now, the 24-year-old rookie, who had to try out for a spot on the New England Patriots' 90-man roster, has become the hero of the game.

Butler, an undrafted Division II player from the University of West Alabama, made the most of an opportunity when he intercepted the play with 26 seconds left.

"Preparation, I remembered the formation they was in," the cornerback said. "Two receivers stacked, and I just knew they was throwing a pick route."

Butler added that he saw Russell Wilson's eyes looking his way and knew that the throw was headed in his direction. He was able to beat Ricardo Lockette to the spot and get the interception. Without that catch, the Seattle Seahawks might have repeated as Super Bowl Champions.

"Unbelievable play," quarterback Tom Brady said. "I saw the interception and couldn't believe it."

"It was the best feeling ever," Butler said.

Now, that play has turned Butler into a star.

"It's going crazy," West Alabama coach Brett Gilliland told USA TODAY Sports. "I walked outside to clean up some stuff, because we had a cookout. I'm right across from campus. You can just hear people shouting 'UWA!' and 'Malcolm!' It's great for this community."

Butler's college football career started at Hinds Community College. After only five games into his freshman season, Butler was dismissed from the program. A year later, West Alabama started to recruit him.

"We were probably really lucky that he only had that one year on film because who knows if we would've had an opportunity to get him if he had the full two years there?" Michael McCarty, the receivers coach and director of football operations said.

Despite earning the all-Gulf South Conference honors twice, Butler was passed over and remained undrafted. With the help of Chan Gailey, who worked with Butler during the Medal of Honor Bowl all-star game, Butler was able to display his skills at a tryout camp in May for the Patriots.

"He's one of those guys - I don't know what his 40 was or anything, but his playing speed is very impressive," backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who is also a rookie, said. "He broke on that ball as fast as can be."

Butler played 52 snaps on special teams and 184 on defense during the regular season.